High school students learn semiconductor basics at Summer Engineering Academy
Maricha Miller (front left), a homeschooled junior from San Simon, Arizona, plays with a semiconductor cleanroom simulation in the virtual reality lab housed in the ECSE building.
More than 300 middle and high school students attended the College of Engineering's 2026 Arizona Summer Engineering Academy. The program, now in its 21st year, connects students with engineering and science industries, such as semiconductor manufacturing.
The program offers four day camps alongside three weeklong residential camps. Camps like the Semiconductor Design, Fabrication and Application camp demonstrate the range and versatility of engineering degrees offered at the University of Arizona.
Aminah Ochoa, a junior at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, attended the semiconductor camp.
“Computers are finding a place in almost everything in society,” she said. “I thought it was really cool to learn more about what’s coming into our world.”
A presentation on the Integrated Business and Engineering bachelor’s degree program sparked Ochoa's interest.
“That is something that I want to do here, as well as law,” she said. “I don’t want to miss out on business or law while doing engineering.”